Orange and Yellow Alerts for Rain

Met Éireann has issued a Status Orange Rain Warning for Dublin, Louth, Meath and Wicklow, warning of persistent and heavy rain with a risk of thunderstorms through Monday afternoon.

The warning, valid from midnight to 2pm today, was issued late on Sunday night and comes with forecasts of widespread surface flooding, very difficult travelling conditions, lightning damage and poor visibility.

Meanwhile, a Status Yellow Rain Warning has been issued for Kildare and Monaghan, with spells of heavy rain and the chance of isolated thunderstorms also expected in those areas. Although the impacts are expected to be less severe, localised flooding, low visibility and dangerous travel conditions are still possible.

A separate yellow warning remains in effect across parts of Northern Ireland, where the UK Met Office has cautioned that heavy rain could lead to flooding and disruption in Antrim, Armagh and Down. That warning, which came into force at 6pm on Sunday, remains valid until 6pm on Monday.

Forecasters are urging the public to take extra care on the roads, avoid unnecessary journeys in affected areas